Sunday morning at the Big Buck GNCC, round one of the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series, began with a brief thunderstorm and rain.
Race officials combined the 8 AM and 10 AM amateur races to preserve the track as much as possible. As the storm passed and the sun reappeared, racing got underway at 10 AM on Sunday, February 16.
The season opener in South Carolina was anything but ordinary. When the green flag dropped for the XC1 Open Pro class, defending 2024 National Champion Johnny Girroir grabbed the XC1 Holeshot Award. However, his day took a turn for the worse when he got stuck on a hill, experiencing a string of bad luck in the opening round.
While Girroir struggled, the XC2 250 Pro class riders dominated the overall podium. Nick DeFeo, Josh Toth, and Australian Angus Riordan capitalised on the challenging conditions to make history.
DeFeo kicked off his race by securing the $150 Landers KTM XC2 Holeshot Award before battling at the front of his class. After leading on adjusted time, he eventually took control of the physical lead as well. Pushing through the slick, muddy terrain, DeFeo secured his first career overall and XC2 250 Pro class win.
His Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki teammate, Josh Toth, followed closely behind, earning second overall and in XC2, while Angus Riordan held onto third overall and third in XC2, marking the first-ever XC2 class sweep of the top three overall positions in GNCC history.
After steadily working his way toward the front, Ben Kelley took over the XC1 Open Pro class lead with two laps remaining. He ultimately crossed the finish line in fourth overall but claimed the XC1 class victory to kick off his 2025 season on a high note.
Behind him, another Australian Lyndon Snodgrass finished second in XC1 and seventh overall, while Michael Witkowski rounded out the XC1 podium in third, finishing tenth overall.
Joseph Cunningham and Gavin Simon had standout performances, finishing fifth and sixth overall, respectively. Their strong rides placed them at the top of the 250 A class, with Cunningham earning the Big Buck GNCC Top Amateur Award.
Several riders faced mechanical issues or crashes that prevented them from completing all five laps. Steward Baylor was seen pushing his bike back to the pits after completing three laps, while Ricky Russell, Liam Draper, and Thad Duvall also made it through only three laps. Craig Delong suffered an early mechanical issue and completed just two laps before retiring.
In the morning WXC race, Rachael Archer continued her dominant form, grabbing the Holeshot Award and leading from start to finish. Her win also secured her the morning overall victory, giving her the early points lead in the WXC Championship defence. Australian Tayla Jones finished 9th.
The 2025 Progressive Grand National Cross Country Series continues on March 1-2, with the Wild Boar GNCC in Palatka, Florida.
